South Africa National Parks and reserves

The national parks in South Africa offer unique and varied environments for wildlife. From the expansive savanna in the northeast to the rugged coastlines covered with stunning flora in the south, these protected areas each provide a sanctuary for Africa’s most famous animals. Kruger National Park is arguably the most well-known of these areas; it covers nearly 20,000 km2 and is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

In addition to Kruger, Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape is the only protected area in the country where you can see large herds of elephants in a malaria-free environment. This park also extends into the ocean, making it the site of the “Big Seven,” which includes the original Big Five plus great white sharks and southern right whales.

For those who find themselves fascinated by stunning sceneries and experiences within nature, a visit to the coastal and mountainous areas in South Africa is a must. The vibrant city of Cape Town sits right along Table Mountain National Park. There is an abundance to explore within this park. You can watch African penguins at Boulders Beach and learn about the unique flora in this so-called “floral kingdom.” This kingdom is found nowhere else in the world.

A little further down the coast, the Garden Route National Park stretches over the splendor of ancient indigenous forests and stunning ocean reefs, with the voice of the Knysna Turaco bird echoing through the forests. Then, again, the national parks of South Africa provide a chance to explore all aspects of nature’s splendor, be it trekking through the golden sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate Highlands or tracking lions through the dry, semi-desert regions of Karoo.